She was born with a genetic condition that ravaged her lungs, but in January last year, she received the ultimate gift. 

Now able to breathe freely, she expressed her gratitude to the unknown woman and her family who gave her a second chance at life. 

For years, she couldn’t take a deep breath.

But that all changed when she was given the most incredible gift – a double lung transplant in January last year. 

She was born with cystic fibrosis, a genetic condition that caused her lungs to fill up with bacteria and infections. 

“I had permanent damage so I had to go on the donor list,” Ms Tripp said. 

When she received her transplant, her lungs were only functioning at 24 per cent capacity. 

“I was on oxygen overnight, but I was still able to do most things by myself,” she said.

“Everything was still a very slow process – showers felt like marathons.”

“It was a little bit like having a corset wrapped around you and tied up as tight as you can.

You try and take that really deep breath and your lungs don't want to expand – it’s that squeezing sensation where you can't move.”

Studying health science and exercise physiology, Ms Tripp wants to work in rehabilitation to help others like herself.

Despite falling ill earlier this year, she is now on the mend and a fresh pair of lungs has made a world of difference. 

“I'm back studying, and even thought I’ve been slightly sicker than I was post-transplant, I'm still doing so much better.”

“It’s not a miracle cure, but it’s made my life so much better.”

“I think I always will be curious (about my donor), because I'm wanting to say thank you to the people that let me have them.”

Sharing her story during Donate Life Week, Ms Tripp urged people to consider becoming an organ donor and – importantly – telling their loved ones. 

“Even if you are a donor and you have it on your licence or you've signed up, your family can still say no,” she said. 

“People have to be really sure their families know that's exactly what they want to do.”

Only 140 patients a year get a lung transplant in Australia. 

Ms Tripp was one of 40 Bendigo people to be featured The Big Picture Shoot Project unveiled in Melbourne’s City Square on Saturday. Donate Life Week ends August 9.